Stephen Warnock reacts to Michael Keane controversy in Everton vs Wolves: ‘It’s a poor decision…’

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Former Liverpool defender and pundit Stephen Warnock has reacted strongly to the controversy surrounding Michael Keane in Everton’s clash with Wolves, branding the key decision against the defender as a “poor decision” that unfairly punished Everton and highlighted ongoing issues with officiating and VAR in the Premier League.

The incident in question saw Keane penalised in a critical moment of the match, with the decision either leading directly to a goal or significantly shifting momentum in Wolves’ favour. Warnock argued that the contact involved was minimal and typical of what happens routinely in Premier League penalty areas, insisting that such moments should not be enough to warrant a penalty or serious sanction. In his view, the referee and VAR team failed to apply common sense and consistency, leaving Everton understandably aggrieved.

Warnock suggested that, when slowed down and replayed multiple times, challenges can appear worse than they are, and he criticised VAR for re-refereeing games rather than stepping in only for clear and obvious errors. He felt that Keane was harshly judged and that similar incidents in other games often go unpunished, adding to the perception of inconsistency that frustrates players, managers and supporters.

The pundit also touched on the wider implications for Everton, noting that contentious calls like this can heavily influence tight matches and potentially have a significant impact over the course of a season. He stressed that defenders are increasingly unsure about what they can and cannot do in the box, as decisions seem to vary from game to game despite the presence of VAR, which is supposed to bring clarity.

Ultimately, Warnock’s reaction captured a broader dissatisfaction with the current state of officiating, arguing that the call against Michael Keane in the Everton vs Wolves match was emblematic of a system that still lacks transparency, consistency and fairness.